Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Acting Secretary General Maulana ATM Masum has issued the following statement on 24th October, 2021 urging the concerned authorities to rehabilitate the flood victims of Northern districts of Rangpur, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat and Nilphamari, who have been swept away by the sudden flood which happened as the Indian authority opened the Gajoldoba part of the Teesta barrage.

As the Indian authority opened the Gajoldoba part of the Teesta barrage, it caused severe flood that damaged houses, establishments and floods in Northern districts of Rangpur, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat and Nilphamari. Numerous people became the victim of river erosion. Around 10 thousand people of the 7 unions under GangacharaUpazila of the Rangpur district also became waterlogged. One man died and several others are still missing over there. Two unions under DimlaUpazila of the Nilphamari district have been submerged by the flood water. The sudden floods caused damage to the houses, shops, markets and crop fields of this region. Cattle, cock and hens and fishes of 140 ponds have swept away as well. Cracks are found in the roads and culverts of the region and as such communication network is totally disrupted.

There are many people who turned into completely penniless due to this flood. Following the previous disastrous flood, some local people tried to restore their position by taking loans. But this flood has snatched their belongings away once again. I am calling upon the concerned authorities to pay due compensation, relief and financial assistances to the victims.

Besides, I am urging the affluent sections of the society and the local Jamaat leaders and activists to take stand by the side of the flood victims as per their capacities.